Things to do near London City Airport

Acting primarily as a hub for business travellers while serving a host of European destinations with airlines including British Airways, London City Airport provides quick and easy access to the City, Canary Wharf, the Excel Centre and the capital’s many attractions. Visitors can expect a speedy arrivals and departures process, as well as quick and easy routes into London.

Your travel options

As the airport is just 9 miles to the east of central London, travellers can use the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to connect with the main Underground network. You can be at Bank Underground station in just 22 minutes or at Stratford International station in 15 minutes. Both of these locations provide a gateway into central London with access to numerous different Underground lines or Overground services.

What you can do

From City Airport, you can use your contactless payment card or an Oyster card to tap in and out of the travel network and to get around quickly. Once you’re in central London, the capital’s many stand-out attractions are all within easy reach.

Emirates Air Line

Take to the skies in London’s only cable car, crossing the River Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. Not only can you embrace the stunning views on-board the Emirates Air Line, but a video tour provides insights and fascinating hidden stories about the buildings of east London. Visit The Emirates Aviation Experience next to the cable car for an immersive experience that details the history and achievements of commercial air travel. With aircraft models, interactive displays and an abundance of state-of-the-art technology, there is something for people of all ages.

Emirates Air Line

Up at The O2

See the capital from a whole new perspective by climbing to the top of the O2. You can gaze out across Canary Wharf, historic Greenwich and the Olympic Park from the viewing platforms, or wait until sunset when the capital’s buildings contrast spectacularly with the evening sky.

Up at The O2

The Royal Observatory

Journey through space and time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Stand on the world’s Prime Meridian where east meets west, discover the history of Greenwich Mean Time and take an immersive journey into space.

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich

National Maritime Museum

Venture into the free National Maritime Museum to see how exploration and endeavour have shaped the world we live in. 4 new galleries showcase more than 1,000 items, enabling you to let your imagination run wild when it comes to seafaring history and experiences.

National Maritime Museum

The Cutty Sark

Once the fastest ship of its time, explore the decks of the Cutty Sark, meet colourful characters from its history and discover astonishing stories about life at sea. You can even get behind the wheel of the Victorian tea clipper, while learning how tough it was to steer the 963-ton vessel through storms and high seas.

The Cutty Sark

Wake-up Docklands

For a unique experience of London’s Royal Docks, take to the water at Wake-Up Docklands, a water sports centre with a difference. Try your hand at wakeboarding or fly across the water on a state-of-the-art Flyboard! If you’d prefer something a little more laid back, you can also paddleboard while taking in the sights of east London!

Wake-up Docklands

ArcellorMital Orbit

Found in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the ArcellorMital Orbit is the UK’s tallest sculpture and houses the world’s longest tunnel slide! Enjoy breath-taking views of the capital as you slide your way down 178 metres, taking in 12 twists and turns along the way, or just climb to the top to admire the scenery of the former Olympic site.

ArcellorMital Orbit

Tower of London

Visit the capital’s iconic Tower of London and take in 1,000 years of history at the World Heritage Site. Having served as a fortress, palace and infamous prison throughout its time, the Tower is still home to the Crown Jewels and remains steeped in tradition. Explore during a Yeoman Warder tour, meet the famed ravens and get hands-on in the armoury.

Tower of London

Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum showcases war through the eyes of the people who lived it, seeking to tell personal and emotive stories from times of conflict. Exploring modern warfare from the First World War to the present day, the museum provides an incredibly detailed and eye-opening look into the past, delving into both European and global history.

Imperial War Museum

Tower Bridge

Be engrossed in the spectacular architecture and engineering of one of London’s most iconic sights – the incredible Tower Bridge. Enjoy stunning panoramic views from the walkways and step on the glass floor to gaze down on life in the capital below. A visit to the bridge can transport you back to the Victorian era, as you can gaze over the impressive engine rooms, beautifully maintained from a time when coal power helped to raise the bridge’s vast decks.

Tower Bridge

St Paul’s Cathedral

The dome of St Paul’s Cathedral forms a key part of London’s skyline and its upper galleries provide exceptional views of the capital. The masterpiece of Britain’s most famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren, the magnificent cathedral can be toured using multimedia guides or with an expert guide. To enjoy the scenery, climb 257 steps to the internal Whispering Gallery, before another 119 take you to the Stone Gallery and a further 152 to the Golden Gallery.